July 1, 2009

 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Announces Ticket Prices
Ticket Sales Set to Begin on September 25, 2009

Ticket prices and detailed competition schedules for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are now available as the world’s most prestigious equestrian competition prepares to visit the Kentucky Horse Park from September 25-October 10, 2010.

Ticket prices and event start times have been finalized for the eight world championships, which are being held outside of Europe for the first time in their history. Tickets will go on sale September 25, 2009, exactly one year before the Games arrive in Kentucky. Approximately 600,000 tickets will be available with prices starting as low as $25.

For a complete list of ticket prices, click here.

“We are pleased to have created a ticket program that will be accessible and affordable,” said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation. “We have a wide range of prices that offer something for everyone, from equestrian enthusiasts to visitors who want to enjoy the 2010 Games, the Kentucky Horse Park and the many other activities and offerings we have available.”

Ticket sales will be facilitated by the 2010 Games Ticketing Provider, Ticketmaster, Inc. All ticket sales will be completed online at the Games Web site, www.alltechfeigames.com beginning on September 25, 2009. Event start times are subject to change.

By registering at www.alltechfeigames.com interested buyers will be able to receive important news and information about ticket sales as it becomes available. Subscribers will also receive:

• A 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games competition schedule

• Housing and accommodation information

• Press releases on the latest news updates

• Information on hospitality packages

• The latest release of official 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Game merchandise

• Information on events and activities in Kentucky during the 2010 Games
   

June 24, 2009

The National News May/June/July Issue is now available on line in the members only site and all NWHA members should be receiving the magazine in their mail box soon!

June 24, 2009

Annual Membership Meeting Flyer

June 24, 2009

Please remember - applications for NWHA Officers and Board of Directors must be submitted by July 15, 2009. Guidelines and requirements can be found in the members only section of this website.
 

June 17, 2009

Articles and advertising are now being accepted for the
2009 Pre-National issue of NWHA News!

Ads and articles are due on or before July 27 but space is filling quickly!

The editorial calendar, advertising rates and technical production information is available in the 2009 National News media kit.

The following ads have already sold:

Front Cover
Back Cover
Page 3
Center Spread

Don’t miss your chance to advertise in the Pre-National issue! Place your order today!

We are also accepting articles on the following topics:

The National Show
Tack and Grooming
NWHA news and activities
Industry news
Youth news

**In the interest of keeping editing to a minimum and using as much of the original article as possible, please limit editorial submissions to no more than 1500 words**

Also accepting:

Member Spotlight submissions: Tell us in 500 words or fewer why you or a fellow NWHA member should be featured in the next issue. High resolution photos are encouraged!

Questions for the New Ask the Vet column: Send us your most burning equine questions to be answered by Dr. Kenneth Marcella, DVM!

Advertising orders, articles and questions may be emailed to news@nwha.com or call 770-953-8818.

The deadline for stories AND advertising is July 27. Submissions received after July 27 will not be included in this issue.

June 16, 2009

2009 National Horse Show

Camper Reservations

To reserve your same 2008 camper site, reservations and payment must be made by July 1.
All site not reserved & paid by this date will be considered open and available on a first come bases.
$175 - Sunday (9/27) thru Saturday (10/3)
Complete form and mail to NWHA office.
More info - please contact Connie Holbrook 615 207-2754 cell or cholbrook@comcast.net

Stall Reservations

Reservations will begin July 2 - To reserve your same 2008 stalls, reservation must be made by Aug 15.
All stall not reserved by this date will be considered open and available on a first come bases.
$100 per stall - Sunday (9/27) thru Saturday (10/3)
No advance payment required
Reservations - please contact Connie Holbrook 615 207-2754 cell or cholbrook@comcast.net
 

June 4, 2009

Competitive Trail Challenges on RFD TV

A 30 minute special on the ACTHA and their Competitive Trail Challenges will air on RFDTV on the Rick Lamb’s The Horse show program June 16, 2009. A 5 minute feature will show in the remaining month of June and continue in the months of July and August. There will be a feature story in Trail Blazer magazine this summer also. Times on the RFDTV show appear to be 12Noon and 10PM Central. This could change by June 16 but you can find the schedule on the www.rfdtv.com website.

June 3, 2009

Annual Youth Leadership Conference

NWHA presents the Second Annual Youth Leadership Conference, July 13-15, 2009 to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington KY.

Please visit the Youth Page for more information and registration forms. If you are not able to download the forms please contact Tammy Steinbrecher rockinglazyt@windstream.net or the NWHA office - 859-252-NWHA (6942) - to have the forms mailed to you.

 

May 28, 2009

ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD AT THE OPRYLAND RESORT

NWHA’s 11th Annual Meeting will be held at the Opryland Resort and Conference Center in Nashville on November 6, 7, and 8. Come join the fun as members gather to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and plan for the future!

Registration forms are on the NWHA website and available through the NWHA Office. Hotel reservations must be made by contacting the Opryland Resort directly at 615-883-2211 and stating that you are with the National Walking Horse Association or use the group code, X-NWHA. The A special rate of $99.00 per night will be used for our members.

Highlights of the event will include the committee sessions on Friday evening, the luncheon and awards ceremony on Saturday, and of course, the very popular silent auction and social on Saturday night. The Opryland Resort offers amenities and activities for people of all ages. Bring your family and enjoy a fun weekend!
 

May 27, 2009

NWHA LAUNCHES MEMBERS ONLY AREA!

As the result of numerous requests, the National Walking Horse Association is excited to announce the addition of a “members only area” on its website. This new area will include informative articles on the training and care of gaited horses, news items and various other features for NWHA members. Members are able to access the site beginning immediately ( www.nwha.com/members/membersarea.html ). They will use their NWHA member number and their name to login to the site. Usernames include the first letter of the first name along with the full last name (ex. Andy Smith would be asmith). All passwords begin with nwha (lowercase), followed by the member number (ex. Member #1268 would be nwha1268). Family Memberships: each family member has been assigned a new membership number.

If you need help with accessing the site, please contact the NWHA Office at 1-859-252- NWHA (6942). NWHA is continually looking for ways to show our appreciation to the membership and to promote our great organization! Please visit the website
( www.nwha.com ) often as new information will be updated regularly.
 

May 27, 2009

The photos from the NWHA Dogwood Classic
Regional Championship Horse Show have been posted.

Here is the link to the images:

http://fallondesign.exposuremanager.com/g/
the_dogwood_classic_2009_nwha_regional_championship

 

May 14, 2009

 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 2009 SHOW MANAGERS!!!

Effectively Immediate; Amendment to 2009 NWHA Rule 5.7

A new guideline has been added to the Amateur Owned and Trained (AOT)rule to help with the burden of saddle removal and replacement due to the new USDA requirements. NWHA Rulebook Section 5.7 will be amended immediately to state;

If an AOT exhibitor needs assistance holding a horse so they can remove or resaddle their horse during the DQP inspection process, the AOT exhibitor will not be penalized if they are assisted by a non-amateur status exhibitor.

This new guideline will take effect immediately for all affiliated NWHA shows.

May 12, 2009

Southern States
S.H.O.W. Program Redemption

The National Walking Horse Association is a participant with the Southern States S.H.O.W. Program.

17. What Southern States feed products are eligible for redemption?

1. The Triple Crown®, Reliance® and Legends® horse feeds are eligible for S.H.O.W.
   Program credit.

17. How do I participate in the program for NWHA?

1. The “Proofs of purchase” seals are located on the back-bottom of horse feed bags. ALL proofs must be neatly bundled and counted. Please separate proofs by brands, i.e. Triple Crown, Reliance, Legends. Only original customer copies of bulk bin delivery tickets can be accepted. Photocopies will not be credited. Bulk bin delivery tickets only accepted from current S. H.O.W. fiscal year July 1 – June 30. Mail your proofs to:

DeDe Marshall
240 Loblolly Lane
Ellerbe, NC 28338-9118

17. What is the value to NWHA?

1. All proofs of purchase except Reliance® =25¢ ea.
   Reliance® proofs of purchase=10¢ ea.
   All bulk bin original delivery tickets except Reliance® = $10 /ton
   Reliance® bulk bin delivery tickets =$4/ton

The Southern States S.H.O.W. program revenue will be restricted to the NWHA Trail Program, please support the Trail Program!
 

April 21, 2009

True West Campground and Stables, The Gateway to the Big South Fork near Jamestown, TN, will host an American Competition Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) Competitive Trail Challenge July 4, 2009. Visit www.actha.us to get more information on CTC and to register for the ride, reserve camping & stalls visit www.truewestcampground.com for more information about the facility and riding the Big South Fork. NWHA members enrolled in the TRIP will be able to count double hours for this ride.

Two Texas Women (TTW) will host an ACTHA Competitive Trail Challenge at Trace Trails near Athens, TX. September 19, 2009.
For information on American Competitive Trail Horse Association and to sign up for rides, visit www.actha.us. For information on TTW events visit www.gaitedgala.com.
NWHA members enrolled in TRIP will be eligible for double hours for this event.

April 20, 2009

Please be advised that the East Texas Gaited Classic SHOW IS CANCELED
(NWHA Region 6 Championship) April 24 & 25, Nacogdoches, TX
 

April 15, 2009

The National Walking Horse Association has recently teamed up with the American Competitive Trail Horse Association to promote the ACTHA Competitive Trail Challenges.

The NWHA Trail Committee researched ACTHA and found their mission to be a worthy one and their activities to be a beneficial offering for NWHA members.

ACTHA's mission...
*To create an enjoyable venue showcasing the wonderful attributes of the great American trail horse, granting them the recognition they so richly deserve.
*To create a registry open to all breeds and a point designation system which will stay with each horse for its lifetime, thereby adding to their value and distinction.
*To create and enable humane treatment options for horses in need.

ACTHA donates up to 50% of its proceeds to eligible horse charities annually.

The Trail Committee recommended to the NWHA Board of Directors an affiliation form and Standard Operating Procedure for affiliating the ACTHA CTCs. The form and SOP are now available on the NWHA website on the Trail Rider page and on the Forms page under SOPs.

Several NWHA affiliated ACTHA CTCs are already in the planning including events in TN, TX and AZ. The CTC in Texas will donate proceeds to the NWHA Trail Rider Incentive Program (T.R.I.P.). Donated proceeds will go to improving and increasing awards in the program.

More about ACTHA:
ACTHA is open to every breed and every riding discipline! We provide trail ride competitions throughout the United States. They are called 'Competitive Trail Challenges', or CTCs. They are not endurance rides, and they are not timed.

What is a Competitive Trail Challenge (CTC)? A Competitive Trail Challenge (CTC) is a trail ride competition that is a 6-10 mile trail ride with judged obstacles (mostly natural) along the way. Each obstacle has its own judge. It is not a timed event. You will have a ride out time (usually within 30-60 minutes) to head out on trail. You are encouraged to ride with your group, family, or friends. When you come to the obstacle & judge, you perform the obstacle 1 at a time. The trail rides usually take from 2-3 hours. After you come in from your ride, eat some lunch and be ready for the awards ceremony. Cash and prizes are given to 1st -6th place for each division. Additional contests may include Best Dog, Best Dressed Male/Female and Best Groomed Horse.
For more information about ACTHA visit their website at www.actha.us

ACTHA CTCs that are also affiliated with NWHA will earn double hours for members signed up in the T.R.I.P. program and are eligible for points in LSAP.
 

April 9, 2009

Effective April 9, 2009
To better serve the organization and all members of the National Walking Horse Association the Associate member option will no longer be available, effectively immediately. Those Associate members that are current with NWHA will be continually recognized as supporting members until their expiration date and upon that date will have the opportunity to become individual, family, youth or lifetime NWHA members. The National Walking Horse Association has many benefits to offer their membership and would ask that everyone support the promotions and welfare of the walking horse by participating in those benefits. Serving our membership is one of the priorities of the NWHA.
Thank you for your support!

April 9, 2009

Dear NWHA Members,

As you know, the team here at The Haystack Group has assumed editing and production responsibilities for the NWHA National News. We look forward to continuing the fine tradition of this publication, with some new twists in editorial and advertising.

We invite our regular contributors and those who haven’t submitted editorial in the past, to do so now to be included in the May/June/July issue. The deadline for stories AND advertising is April 27. Submissions received after April 27 will not be included in this issue.

For your convenience, we will be publishing a 2009 National News media kit on the NWHA website, which contains the editorial calendar, NEW advertising rates and technical production information. Please note the new submission guidelines and deadlines that are a result of the transition. We thank you in advance for your flexibility and understanding.

We currently are accepting articles for the following topics:

Equine health and nutrition
Parasite and insect control
NWHA news and activities
Industry news
Versatility
Youth news

One of the new editorial features is a Member Spotlight. We invite you to nominate yourself or a fellow NWHA member to be featured in upcoming issues. Please share with us in 500 words or less why you believe this individual is worthy of the spotlight. High resolution photos are encouraged.

Thank you and we look forward to providing you with the National News!

The Haystack Group Team
 

April 7, 2009

The internet is such a powerful tool for spreading the word about all that is happening at the National Walking Horse Association. Thanks to the web and to iGive.com, a program which National Walking Horse has received at total of $93.88 since January 2009 from purchases or by searching by members. Thank you! NWHA is trying to involved everyone so if you have not heard about the program this is how it works:

Join iGive.com to support National Walking Horse Association. It's free; safe and it’s easy to sign up. Join by going to: http://www.iGive.com/

The iGive Mall features over 700 trusted online retailers like Lands' End, Staples, NORDSTROM, JC Penney, eBay, Expedia.com, Barnes & Noble, QVC, & PETsMART to name just a few! You'll NEVER pay more when you reach these stores through iGive.com. and you can take advantage of the coupons and free shipping deals posted too.

National Walking Horse can also receive funds when you just need to search the internet. Use iGive.com every time you do a search, purchase or make a donation.

 

March 25, 2009

We invite you to begin using iSearchiGive.com every time you search the web. Each search means $0.01 for our cause and while the numbers may seem small at first, we all search the web hundreds of times every month, and our combined efforts can truly add up. If you're looking for a search engine that benefits our cause, consider iSearchiGive.com.

Here's what makes iSearchiGive.com so useful:

1) NWHA receives exactly $0.01 per qualified search - no hidden fees, no vague percentages, no limits;
2) Donation checks are sent every month to NWHA;
3) It's free, fast, and powered by Yahoo! Search;
4) You can keep track of your individual contributions through their parent program, www.iGive.com
5) If you shop online, up to 26% of each purchase via iGive.com also benefits our cause!
6) It's powered by iGive.com (a site that has been helping causes raise money online since 1997),
See it for yourself at: http://www.isearchigive.com/?s=28&c=44368

Vanessa Crowe,
NWHA Executive Director
4059 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 4
Lexington, KY  40511
Phone:859-252-6942
Fax: 859-252-0640

March 24, 2009

Changes are afoot at the NWHA National News!

As we say goodbye to Christie Ayers, who is stepping down as the editor after six wonderful years, we are pleased to announce that The Haystack Group has agreed to assume editing and production responsibilities of NWHA National News for at least the remainder of 2009. Christie and The Haystack Group team are working together to ensure a smooth transition. The May, June, July issue will be the first for The Haystack Group.

Ads, editorial content and photos are welcome and encouraged! Please email news@nwha.com or call (256) 568-9636 for information or to submit.

Please join me in wishing Christie and The Haystack Group much success!

 

March 19, 2009

Reserve Your Tickets Now!
2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Ticket Deposit Program For
USDF Begins March 18!
http://www.alltechfeigames.com/

Be among the first in the world to reserve your tickets for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY. The Ticket Deposit Program for USDF members begins March 18, 2009 at noon, EST! The offer is for "discipline series tickets", which are tickets for every performance in a specific discipline during the Games. This offer allows you to make a non-refundable deposit, approximately 50% of what is predicted for the highest priced seats, to reserve the series ticket with the balance due in the spring of 2009. There is a limit of 6 series tickets per discipline per member. Single day tickets are not part of this offer. There are a limited number of tickets available in each discipline and the offer will end when your group's allotment sells out, or at midnight EST Wednesday, March 25 2009, whichever comes first.

This ticket deposit offer to USDF members is only available online; no orders will be taken by phone or mail.

Deposit prices per series ticket are as follows:

Opening Ceremonies $75
Dressage $375
Vaulting $250
Eventing $200
Jumping $375
Driving $150
Reining $300
Endurance $25
Closing Ceremonies $40

Click here to purchase tickets.
 

March 16, 2009

MT. PLEASANT WEB SITE TO BROADCAST NATIONAL EQUINE EVENT

Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee: WalkingHorseWorld .com, a newly design web site community dedicated to the Flatshod and Naturally Gaited Tennessee Walking Horse has been given permission by the board of the National Walking Horse Association of Lexington Kentucky to live video stream via the internet The NWHA National Championship Horse Show, that comes to the Tennessee Miller Coliseum at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee Sept 28th to Oct 3rd 2009.

This live stream will be offered on the WalkingHorseWorld.com for all events of The National Horse Show. With 161 classes of Tennessee Walking Horses, The National Horse Show is one of the largest multi day equine events in Tennessee. Tommy Williams of Grand Champion Graffix, owners of several Tennessee Walking Horse related web sites including the WalkingHorseWorld says, "I am very proud to be given this opportunity to bring to the internet The NWHA National Championship Show to all the fans who love the Tennessee Walking Horse. I am also grateful to the NWHA Board of Directors and show committee for considering our request, and we promise to make all our broadcasts exciting for horse show fans during each performance."

The National Walking Horse Association (NWHA) located at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington Kentucky, is an alliance of people committed to preserving and fostering the natural abilities and welfare of the Walking Horse. The NWHA improves the lives of horses and people by encouraging responsibility and sportsmanship. It promotes educational and recreational activities while preserving the unique qualities of the Walking Horse.

March 13, 2009

Showing Information Updated

The traditional Amateur Cards for showing will be replaced with NWHA Show Cards beginning with the 2010 Show Season.

All exhibitors (excluding Country Pleasure Classes) will be required to have a current NWHA Show Card. NWHA members and exhibitors at NWHA shows must designate their status as Y- Youth, A- Amateur, or O-Open/non-amateur. These cards are available as part of full NWHA membership privileges.

For our non-member exhibitors there are two options available to obtain a Show Card:

• A temporary show pass will be available at a cost of $15. Temporary show passes are valid for a total of 4 consecutive days from date of purchase.

• A Season Show Pass will be available at a cost of $40, and is valid for the entire NWHA season which runs from the National Championship Show to the next year's National Championship Show.

Exhibitors must designate their status as Y-Youth, A-Amateur, or O-Open/non-amateur.

Associate memberships do not carry show card benefits.
 

February 25, 2009

FEBRUARY BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

1) Rules for Keg Shod Classes

• Beginning with the 2010 show season, new keg shoe requirements will be in effect for all keg shod classes. The rules are as follows:

Section 8.3 Shoeing Rules and Regulations
Current Rule: Currently there is no rule that describes the keg shoe
requirements.

Add section 8.3.C. (shift subsequent rules down one alpha character). Keg Shoe: The keg shoe must be a factory made, stamped steel shoe. Only flat or heeled keg shoe options are allowed. Keg shoes manufactured with grabs, clips or weighted toes are prohibited. Only clips drawn from the shoe itself are permitted. No additional material can be added or removed from the keg shoe. The keg shoe must not exceed 3/4” in width or 3/8” in thickness with the exception of the heel.

The keg shoe shall not extend past the toe and shall not extend beyond the bulb of the horse’s heel. Keg shoes shall be allowed in all divisions.

2) Members Only Access Area for Website

• A Members-Only Access area of the NWHA Website will be developed to host specific information regarding NWHA. All members will be given codes to access this site. Paula Sue Swope will be working closely with Vanessa to develop the area.

3) Support for Sacramento Horse Fair Expo

• The Northern California Walking Horse Association has requested that NWHA be a sole sponsor of their booth and exhibition at the Sacramento Horse Fair in June. Several donations will be used to assist in funding this endeavor. Special thanks to Margaret Hershberger, Gordon Lawler, Val Delana, Pam Reband, Hal Bowden, Marie Erickson and Lori Lowe for their support.

4) Expansion of High Point Categories

• Beginning with the 2010 Show Season, the High Point Categories will be expanded with the addition of Open and Amateur 2 and 3 Gait Categories for lite shod, trail pleasure, and plantation pleasure divisions, provided that they are fully sponsored.

5) Amateur Cards to be Replaced with Show Cards

• Beginning with the 2010 Show Season, the current amateur card system will be modified to encompass all exhibitors showing at NWHA affiliated shows in classes covered by NWHA rules and included in the current High Point Program (Country Pleasure Excluded). The current amateur cards will be replaced with Membership cards with the member# and a letter which specifies the member’s status as either Y- Youth, A-Amateur, or O-Open Exhibitor. Associate memberships will not have a designation as they do not offer show benefits. For those who do not desire to purchase a membership, we will offer 2 options. They may choose to buy a Temporary Show Card for $15 which covers the exhibitor for any and all NWHA events over a 4 day period beginning with the date of purchase, or a Seasonal Show Card for $40 which covers all NWHA affiliated events for the current season . Temporary and Seasonal Card holders must still designate their status as either Youth, Amateur or Open exhibitor, and this information will be maintained in the NWHA office. These cards will be valid options at all shows with the exception of the National which requires exhibitors to have a membership with full privileges to participate.

6) Mark Farrar Selected as Show Manager for 2009 National Championship Show

• Mark Farrar has been approved as the 2009 National Championship Show Manager.

7) Discover Horses Magazine Ad

• Approved payment for a 1/6 page black and white advertisement in the KY Horse Park’s Discover Horses Magazine.

February 25, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Vanessa Crowe
859-252-6942
February 24, 2009

2009 NWHA DQP TRAINING CLINIC IS A HUGE SUCCESS!

On February 14 and 15, the 2009 NWHA Designated Qualified Persons (DQP) Training Clinic was held at the Baymont Inn Conference Center and Middle Tennessee State University Horse Science Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. NWHA DQP’s and the United States Department of Agriculture Veterinary Medical Officers from around the nation met to discuss, listen and learn. Topics included anatomy and physiology, DQP inspection procedures, the history of soring the Horse Protection Act and NWHA DQP Reporting Guidelines.

DQP’s spent time in roundtable discussions while working through DQP simulations of various inspection scenarios. This allowed DQP apprentice candidates to work closely with established DQP inspectors and learn from their experiences in the field.

Another highlight of the weekend was the collective training on Sunday morning with the USDA Veterinarians, NWHA DQP’s and NWHA Judges. DQP Coordinator Dr. Martha Day and Judge’s Committee Chairperson Adam Hall worked together to make this session an educational opportunity for both judges and DQPs. The thermographic imaging device was demonstrated as well as proper techniques for physical inspection of horses.

February 24, 2009

2009 JUDGES CLINIC IS A HUGE SUCCESS!

On February 14 and 15, the 2009 NWHA Judges Clinic was held at the MTSU Horse Science Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Judges from around the nation met to discuss, listen and learn. Topics included gait identification, rule updates, professionalism and ethics. A new judging video developed specifically for NWHA was used for the first time and received rave reviews from the audience. Judges Committee Chairman Adam Hall with assistance from Roger Hand and Dr. Dave Whitaker developed the video based on classes from the 2008 National Championship Show.

Another highlight of the weekend was the collective training on Sunday morning with the USDA and our DQPs. DQP Coordinator Dr. Martha Day worked with Chairman Adam Hall to make this session an educational opportunity for both judges and DQPs. The new thermography device was demonstrated as well as proper technique for inspection. The USDA fielded several questions from both the judges and the DQPs and were pleased with the large attendance.

The weekend concluded with a series of roundtable discussions on topics including division standards and gaits, procedures and expectations for judging classes, standard operating procedures for judges, versatility issues and an open discussion of general issues and concerns.
 

February 24, 2009

USDA ANNOUNCES NEW DQP INSPECTION GUIDELINES

As part of its ongoing commitment to enforcing the Horse Protection Act, the USDA has issued new inspection requirements for the 2009 show season. These new guidelines are effective immediately as part of the inspection process of HPR Sec 11.1.

According to the USDA, all horses must be inspected without tack during both pre- and post- show inspections. No saddles or breast collars will be allowed during inspections. Horses must be led to the inspection area wearing only a halter or bridle. In addition, a horse’s shoes may be pulled and hoof testers may be used. If a follow-up testing is needed, thermography will be utilized.

In addition to pre- and post-class inspection, a DQP has the right to inspect horses anywhere on the show grounds.

While these measures will add to the time required to navigate the DQP inspection process and will clearly require additional logistical support from show managers and patience from exhibitors, NWHA supports the USDA's position. "As an organization that promotes the well being and soundness of the horse, NWHA offers its support of this initiative and will continue to work diligently to ensure that the Walking Horse remains a breed of merit," says Vanessa Crowe, executive director, National Walking Horse Association.
 

February 2, 2009

NWHA at the Illinois Horse Fair

The National Walking Horse Association will be represented at the 20th Annual Illinois Horse Fair in Springfield, IL, from March 6 – 8. This event is the ice breaker for the equine community in this area and is filled with an exciting schedule of clinicians, breed demos and commercial vendors. Over 10,000 horse enthusiasts will attend this great three day event. The Horse Fair will be held at the spacious Illinois State Fairgrounds and is the largest non-racing equine gathering in the state.

Members or affiliations that are interested in supporting the NWHA booth at this event may send $75.00 to NWHA 4059 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 4, Lexington, KY 40511. The NWHA booth will provide free of charge to the visiting public your provided material of brochures, business cards, farm/stable/training/clinic/event flyers and other promotional materials concerning your farm, training facility, horse show, clinic or breeding stallion. This promotion is available to you as a supporting member or affiliation during this well established Springfield, IL Horse Fair. Please ship your promotional material to:

Colette Pfender
4001 Kim Kelly Dr.
St. Charles, MO 63304

If you would like to volunteer your assistance at the NWHA booth in providing information and literature about our wonderful breed please contact Colette Pfender at 636-922-3619 or e-mail lindegrau@yahoo.com  Everyone’s help is welcome!

To see all the exciting events and clinicians scheduled during the 20th Annual Illinois Horse Fair in Springfield, IL, from March 6 – 8. 2009 visit www.horsemenscouncil.org

Just another great reason to be part of the success of the National Walking Horse Association that is always working for you!
 

January 27, 2009

Christie Ayers Announces Resignation

Christie Ayers, NWHA News editor, has notified the Board of Directors of her intent to resign effective after the publication of the May issue of the NWHA News. Christie explained that she needs more time to work on her educational goal of becoming a special needs teacher. “I have enjoyed working with NWHA’s Board of Directors and members through the years. It has been a pleasure to serve as the editor of the National News,” Christie stated.

“Christie’s vision of publishing a first-class magazine came to fulfillment during her tenure with NWHA. We are proud of her accomplishments and wish her well in her educational pursuits,” stated NWHA President Lori Snyder-Lowe.

Executive Director Vanessa Crowe and the NWHA News Task Force are in the process of reviewing applications and interviewing for the position. If any of our NWHA members are interested or if they know of anyone who is interested in this position, please send a resume to the NWHA Office by February 1, 2009.
 

January 23, 2009

Read the January Board highlights.

January 22, 2009

The 2009 National Show page has been updated with stall and RV information!

January 20, 2009

The 2009 National Showbill has been approved and is ready for download.
Please regularly check the National Show page for new information.

January 15, 2009

NWHA Membership Brings MORE Advantages!

NWHA Members have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games early and at half price!

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY with opening ceremonies beginning September 25, 2010 and closing ceremonies October 10, 2010. The Games will host the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), which are held every four years. The Games have never been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

How does this affect NWHA members? The World Games 2010 Foundation is offering an online ticket deposit program to all NWHA members for a limited time period in the spring of 2009. The ticket deposit program would allow NWHA members to reserve Series Tickets for the eight disciplines to be contested at the 2010 Games. The deposit prices are approximately one-half of the estimated final ticket prices, with the final balance to be paid before the general public ticket sales September 25, 2009.

This deposit program is an online only program and is a special offer to NWHA members who are members of NWHA as of January 31, 2009 and have a valid email address. So, don’t miss this great opportunity as an NWHA member, just one more great reason to become a member of the National Walking Horse Association, the association that promotes and preserves the naturally gaited walking horse!

Watch for more information on the www.nwha.com web site on how to reserve your 2010 World Equestrian Games tickets!

Vanessa Crowe
NWHA Executive Director

January 11, 2009

NWHA ELECTION TASK FORCE RESULTS

After several months of research, the Election Task Force has concluded its work. The task force found that the election procedure currently used by NWHA and stated in the NWHA Bylaws is the best approach to electing representatives. Respondents to the survey were in support of the current procedure by a margin of 2 to 1. In addition, all research indicated that successful 501C3 organizations utilized some format of election of board of directors that was exactly the same or similar to that of NWHA. The Election Task Force concluded that NWHA’s guidelines follow the leading practices within the non-profit organization world and they recommend no change to current operating procedures.
 

January 11, 2009

DECEMBER BOARD HIGHLIGHTS
December 3, 2008


1) Judges/Judges Committee SOPs

The Board approved a revised version of the Judges/Judges Committee Standard Operating Procedures. The new SOPs will be shared with the judges at the annual clinic which is being held in Murfreesboro, TN on February 14 and 15, 2009.

2) High Point Committee Recommendation

The Board approved the sale of high point trophies to winners. The cost will be $125 for the large, championship trophies and $50 for the smaller, reserve trophies. A deadline of February 1 was set for ordering the replacement trophies.

3) Informational Items

• Judges/DQP Clinics - February 14, 15, 2009

• 2009 NWHA Horse for the KY Horse Park is Piper’s Mountain Trapper -
  Thank you to owners Neil and Barbara Earl and trainer, Linda Richwine!!

January 10, 2009

NOVEMBER BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

1) Magazine Distribution Dates

The Board approved five issues of the National News for 2009. The distribution and deadline dates are:

January/February Issue - January 6
March/April Issue - March 1
May/June Issue - May 1
August/September Issue - July 1
October/November December Issue - October 15

2) Annual Retreat

The Board scheduled the Annual Board Retreat for January 9, 10, 11 at the Cincinnati Airport Marriott.

3) Monthly Board Meetings

The Board approved monthly Board Meetings to be held the second Wednesday of each month beginning February 2009.

4) Code of Conduct

The Board approved the Board Member Code of Conduct.

5) Election Process Survey

The Board approved the placement of the Election Task Force’s Election Process Survey on the website.

6) Multiple Point Shows

The Board approved the National Championship Show to offer triple points; that no show can offer more than the National Championship Show; and that the Central and Western Regions be allowed up to three judges using a three-point system but that these multiple point shows do not qualify as Regional Shows and that the multiple point shows are limited to three shows at three separate locations per show season per state.

7) DQP Business

The Board approved the change of page 58 in the Rulebook, Letter F, from “actual hearing shall be held at Lexington, KY” to “actual hearing shall be held at a location deemed appropriate by the president.”

The Board approved the reinstatement of the rule that was inadvertently left out of the rulebook regarding an appealed ticket that has been upheld at a hearing, the expenses associated with the hearing shall be the responsibility of the complainant. The reinstatement would take place for tickets written on or after January 1, 2009.

The Board approved the increase in DQP fees from $175 per day to $200 per day to take effect on January 1, 2009.
 

January 6, 2009

December 31, 2008

Reining Championships Class Correction-------

At the 2008 NWHA National Championship Horse Show, there was a tie for the Reining Championship. The tie was broken by the standard procedure that was in place at the time. The tie procedure awarded Melissa Davidson and Roger Packard as co-Reining Champions for this class. We would like to correct the error in the announcement of the 2008 NWHA National Reining Championship; NWHA would like to extend congratulations to Melissa and Roger.
 

December 18, 2008

Dear NWHA Members,

As you likely know, the Executive Board has been considering candidates to assume the position of Executive Director. After thoughtful consideration, it is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Vanessa D. Crowe as our new executive director.

With more than 35 years of marketing and equine industry experience, Vanessa brings extensive knowledge and skills that will contribute to NWHA’s growth. I am confident that her fresh approach will further establish NWHA as the leading organization dedicated to naturally gaited Walking Horses.

In her most recent position as executive director of United Mountain Horse, Inc., she oversaw a significant increase in membership. During that seven-year-tenure, Vanessa managed shows, judging and DQP programs and developed and integrated programs, publications, national and regional promotions and educational venues for the organization.

An accomplished equestrian, Vanessa has spent her life around Walking Horses and shares NWHA’s values. She currently resides in Stanton Kentucky with her husband of 30 years, with whom she has two children.

Vanessa is looking forward to assuming her responsibilities on January 2, 2009 and has already begun a smooth transition process with Don Vizi and members of the Board.

Please join us in welcoming Vanessa to NWHA!

Warm Regards,

Lori Snyder-Lowe
President, National Walking Horse Association
 

December 13, 2008

December 12, 2008

Until January 31st, John Deere and MemberPerks have teamed up to offer members of NWHA the opportunity to stop in at any John Deere dealership and receive a free John Deere cap simply by receiving a quote on a new piece of John Deere equipment. Since NWHA is an affiliate of the USEF, your members can take advantage of the MemberPerks Equine Discount Program. The program offers full time equine operations as much as 23% off list price on new John Deere equipment. For those involved with horses as a hobby, John Deere and MemberPerks have created a partner coupon program that offers great value on a wide range of John Deere equipment. Both programs offer your members a terrific way to save.

Please print the letter and coupon, present it to the dealership, receive a quote and get a great John Deere cap and a fantastic deal on John Deere equipment.

MemberPerks also offers a wide range of great discounts at Office Depot, Sherwin Williams, UPS, Moxie Equestrian, Toshiba Direct, Equine Travel Advantage, Hertz, Choice Hotels, Office Max Impress, FarmVet.com and Equisure.

Sincerely,
James Lawson, USEF MemberPerks

 

December 12, 2008

The NWHA 2008 National Show video produced by The Haystack Group is loaded and running on YouTube. If you search for 'NWHA', you'll find it. Or use this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPPT2u21iI8 We encourage our members to share it with anyone they know who might be interested in learning more about naturally gaited walking horses and NWHA in particular.

Bonnie Ulman
President
The Haystack Group
6285 Barfield Road
Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30328
770.953.8818
bonnie@haystackgroup.com
www.haystackgroup.com
 

December 1, 2008

The 2009 Judges Clinic and DQPs Clinic will be held in conjunction with each other on Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The host hotel is the Baymont Inn at a special rate of $69.00 per night. Please remember to mention that you are with NWHA when making your reservations. On Saturday, the DQP clinic will be held at the Baymont Inn and on Sunday it will be held at the MTSU Miller Coliseum. The Judges Clinic will be held at the MTSU Miller Coliseum on both days.
 

November 24, 2008

REGIONAL WINNERS GET CLASSES AT NWHA NATIONAL

In 2008, the Horse Show Development Committee had a laundry list of goals and tasks to tackle. One of these was a request by the Board of Directors to develop a way to tie Regional Shows in to the National for 2009 and beyond.

After much brainstorming and refining, the HSD came back to the BOD with the suggestion to add Regional Championship classes at the National. These classes will be open to horses that placed first through third in any 2 gait or 3 gait Championship Class at any Regional Show in 2009. The offerings for 2009 will be 4 classes, one 2 gait class for each division to include Country Pleasure, Trail Pleasure, Lite Shod and Plantation Pleasure. The winner of each of these classes will hold the title of Regional Grand Champion.

The Board of Directors approved this plan. The plan and the other suggestions from the Horse Show Development Committee were sent to the National Horse Show Committee for scheduling. Other ideas that were submitted included a Parade of Regional Champions and special designations on stalls for Regional Champions.

The Horse Show Development Committee and the Board of Directors would like to encourage all NWHA members to compete at one or all of the eight Regional shows for 2009.
 

November 24, 2008

NWHA Adds High Point Archives to Website!

Thanks to the collaboration of Debbie Nuding, Paula Sue Swope and Rick
Chovan, NWHA has been able to add some of the "history" of our high point
awards to our website. High Point Award winners in the first three places
since 1999 have been added to the NWHA Website in a "High Point Archives"
page. Members will find interesting data about the historical perspective
of our organization and its horses.

"We want to thank Debbie, Paula, and Rick for their time and effort in
putting these archives together. We also want to thank Tom Gossard for
his work to secure the high point award information for the two missing
years for us. Without these hard working, dedicated members, these
archives would not have been possible," stated NWHA President Lori
Snyder-Lowe.

Check out the High Point Archives here.
 

November 18, 2008

NWHA Annual Meeting a Huge Success!
11-18-08

November 17, 2008

Election Task Force Membership Survey

November 11, 2008

2008 NATIONAL WALKING HORSE ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA
NOVEMBER 14-16, 2008
 

November 10, 2008

Announcement of the resignation of Don Vizi
as NWHA Executive Director

The Executive Committee has regretfully accepted the resignation of Don Vizi from the position of Executive Director of the National Walking Horse Association, effective January 1, 2009. We appreciate Don's excellent service to our association as he has been instrumental in helping to further our reputation as a humane walking horse association in both the KY Horse Park and the equine industry as a whole. We wish Don success in his new endeavor with the Rocky Mountain Horse Association.
The Executive Committee of NWHA has initiated a search for an Executive Director.
 

November 4, 2008

NWHA BOARD MEETING AGENDA
Friday, November 14, 2008, 4:00 PM EST